Among the essential features of your house worth improving or enhancing are the windows. They allow fresh air and natural sunlight into your home, and when properly shut, they could provide you with security and peace of mind. They could also protect you, your family, and your possessions against adverse weather conditions. What’s more, they allow people to enjoy the views outside their homes. The more appealing the windows, the more pleasant it is to look at the outdoor scenery.
Windows have a cluster of benefits to offer. Because of this, many homeowners ensure that they have the best ones installed. But suppose you’re planning to replace your current windows soon. In that case, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to learn more about this particular home improvement project.
What To Consider Prior To Replacing Windows
Before switching out your windows, you must determine why you’ll be doing it in the first place and what kind of outcome you want to achieve.
- Think About The Project’s Purpose: Are your windows heavily damaged? Or are you just looking to enhance your home’s features?
- Check Your Budget: While there are affordable window replacements out there, some may cost more.
- Include The Window’s Design And Color: These have to do with the aesthetic aspect of your home project.
Of course, the options available to you would depend on your location. For example, if you happen to reside in Virginia and want to ensure excellent results, you can hire a professional for efficient window replacement in Ashburn or the exact area where you live.
Key Things To Know About Window Replacement
Energy Efficiency
Make sure that you’ll choose energy-efficient windows. For that purpose, you may refer to their Energy Star rating. This rating is given by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NRFC). The NFRC is a group that can determine the efficiency of products and label them accordingly. In particular, windows are evaluated based on how good they are at keeping a structure cool or warm depending on the season. The rating also includes wind resistance.
Apart from those already mentioned, Energy Star certifications also take the following into account:
- U-Factor: This is the window’s ability to trap heat. A high U-value means low insulation.
- Visible Transmittance: This assesses how much light goes through the window.
- Air Leakage: This refers to the air that gets through the cracks and gaps of the window.
Type Of Glass
Homeowners need to think about the type of glass they prefer. Generally, this factor affects a building’s safety and security. It also protects the home against natural elements. Lastly, it enhances the overall aesthetic quality of the property.
Here are some of the standard glass types that homeowners can choose from:
- Tempered Glass
What sets tempered glass apart from its counterparts is its hardening process. It’s four times harder than typical glass, and when it breaks, it shatters into small, non-sharp portions. This makes it safer than other types. Some life-size and main windows use tempered glass because of its durability.
- Laminated Glass
This type undergoes two processes: extreme heating and pressure fusion. Many homeowners prefer laminated glass because of its durable, double-pane composition. Similar to tempered glass, it has a high level of shock resistance.
- Insulated Glass
As its name suggests, insulated glass is best for houses that need better heating and cooling. Many glassworkers also refer to this type as double-glazed and triple-glazed. These are two to three glass panes with spaces for argon gas. Insulated glass’ downside is its proneness to condensation.
- Low Emissivity Glass
If you want a window that can get rid of the heat during summer and trap heat during winter, you’ll be happy with low emissivity (low-E) glass. It has a thin metallic film applied to its inner surface. This type could result in low energy bills in the long run, but take note that it can initially cost a bit more than regular glass.
- Wired Glass
This could be the best glass when it comes to security, especially when it comes to fire-related concerns. Basically, it has wires that prevent the glass from shattering completely when exposed to extreme heat.
Types Of Replacement
Apart from looking into the window’s design, you should figure out the kind of replacement you want. You may consider how suitable it is to add-ons or enhancements such as window décor. Here are the types of replacement depending on the extent of the changes required:
- Sash Replacement
The tracks and sashes are replaced with new ones in this method. Those are easy to install, and the project would cause minimal disruption. Also, it’s advisable for homeowners who want to keep the traditional look of their current windows. This could work for wood-clad or wood windows.
- Insert Replacement
Otherwise known as pocket fit installation, this is when a new window is set up in the current frame, and the sash and hardware are replaced. Just like with the previous type, the process for this isn’t highly disruptive. And, in most cases, this is the easiest installation to do among the different methods.
To keep the new windows well maintained, workers cover the exterior trim with matching aluminum. Typically, workers use this method in installing vinyl windows. This type of replacement could also work for casement and awning types. Usually, insert replacement costs more than the other two types.
- Full-Frame Replacement
In this method, more than 90% of the old windows are replaced—workers basically fit a whole set of windows. Also, they include the interior and exterior trims and a new frame. This is the hardest to accomplish among the methods, so as expected, it leads to serious disruption and takes longer to finish. However, this type of replacement is highly durable as the fastening and nailing of the window are renewed or strengthened. It's ideal for all windows, except the vinyl types.
Cost-Effectiveness
Similar to any other home improvement, you need to make sure that the quality of the window replacement is equivalent to its cost. Better yet, you should look for a top-quality replacement at an affordable price. For that purpose, seek the help of seasoned window installers. You may also ask loved ones who’ve recently installed new windows which type worked for them. Reading reviews online would also be helpful.
Wrapping Up
Before you start a window replacement project, you need to consider several factors first. Are you looking for shock-resistant windows? Do you prefer a quick installation? Thinking about such matters early on could help you save time, money, and effort and choose what’s best for you and your home.
